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A fresh bowl of fluffy popcorn ready for snacking

Best way to grow Popcorn in 5 StepsPopcorn

This guide outlines the best way to grow popcorn in just five steps, ensuring a successful harvest from planting to popping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 1 garden
Calories: 30

Ingredients
  

Popcorn Seeds
  • 1 packet Popcorn kernels or dried kernels from a previous harvest
Soil Amendments
  • 2 cups Compost per plant
  • 1 cup Balanced fertilizer organic is best

Equipment

  • Gardening gloves
  • Trowel
  • Watering can or hose
  • Airtight containers

Method
 

Planting Popcorn
  1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil and add compost and fertilizer.
  2. Plant popcorn seeds 1 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart in blocks rather than rows for better pollination.
Watering and Care
  1. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and weed carefully to avoid damaging shallow roots.
Harvesting Popcorn
  1. Harvest when kernels are hard and shiny, and the husks are completely dry.
  2. Hang ears in a well-ventilated area for several weeks to dry completely.
Storing Popcorn
  1. Once fully dried, remove kernels from the cob and store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
Popping Popcorn
  1. Test a few kernels to ensure they pop properly; if not, continue drying.
  2. Pop in your preferred method for a fresh, homegrown snack.

Notes

Popcorn plants can grow quite tall, so consider staking them if your garden is exposed to strong winds. You can also save kernels from your harvest to plant next season!